Hairband

ABSTRACT

Novel embodiments of hairbands are provided. The design of the hairbands allows them to be versatile so that they can be worn in a variety of ways such as bandana-style or scarf style; embellished or plain and scrunched or flat.

FIELD OF INVENTION

This invention relates to an improved hairband and various embodiments thereof. This invention is related to the following provisional patent applications:

-   -   60/719,846 filed Sep. 24, 2005 titled Collapsible Headband     -   60/719,847 filed Sep. 24, 2005 titled Multi-loop Headband     -   60/721,764 filed Sep. 29, 2005 titled Hairband     -   60/726,139 filed Oct. 13, 2005 titled Collapsible Headband     -   60/742,277 filed Dec. 5, 2005 titled Customizable Headband         Inventor requests that this patent application be given the         benefit of the filing dates for the above-mentioned provisional         applications.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Hairbands and ponytail holders, such as that disclosed in U.S. Design Pat. No. 292,030, are well known in the art. In fact, the arena of hair accessories is considered a crowded art because of the constant introduction of improvements. However, many of these innovations represent incremental changes. Some of the inventions that have proved marketable are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. D402,082 by Lee and U.S. Pat. No. D365918 by Izegbu et al. Unfortunately, many hair accessory innovations that crowd the art are both contrived and impractical. It is thus the intention of this invention to introduce hair accessories that are both innovative as well as practical, easy to use and stylish.

OBJECT AND ADVANTAGES

It is the object of this invention to provide a collapsible bandeau style headband that can be worn either narrow or wide without bunching up under the wearer's hair at the nape.

It is also the object of this invention to provide an easy to wear hair accessory.

It is an additional object of this invention to provide a cold-weather headgear that serves as a stylish cap-alternative.

It is a further object of this invention to provide a customizable headband that can be embellished.

It is also the object of this invention to provide a customizable headband that can be used as an ordinary headband.

It is an additional object of this invention to provide a new toy in the form of a customizable kit that includes a fun selection of bands, ribbons and laces that little girls can use to enhance their creativity by mixing and matching and creating new looks.

It is the object of this invention to provide a multi-loop headband that helps the wearer hold back her hair better than with a conventional headband.

It is the object of this invention to provide a multi-loop headband that simulates the look of multiple headbands worn together.

It is also an object of this invention to provide multiple embodiments of an accessory that can be worn around the neck in the manner of a muffler or a scarf.

It is yet another object of this invention to provide a ponytailer hairband that can be worn to provide a sleek look.

It is the object of this invention to provide a ponytailer hairband that is easy to use and to understand.

It is also the object of this invention to provide a soft and comfortable ponytailer hair accessory.

It is a further object of this invention to provide an easy to manufacture fashion accessory.

It is yet another object of this invention to provide a stylish fashion accessory.

Other and still further objects, features and advantages of the customizable headband of this invention will become obvious from a reading of the following detailed description of a preferred form of the present invention, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

DRAWING FIGURES

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of the customizable headband, of the current invention

FIG. 2 shows the rear view of the customizable headband, of the current invention

FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of the customizable headband, of this invention with a scarf added on

FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of a second embodiment of the customizable headband of this invention with a ribbon added on

FIG. 5 shows a rear view of a third embodiment of the customizable headband of this invention with a ribbon added on

FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of the customizable headband of this invention

FIG. 7 shows a rear view of a fifth embodiment of the customizable headband of this invention

FIG. 8 shows the first embodiment of the customizable headband of this invention with a scarf tied in a bow

FIG. 10 shows the preferred embodiment of the collapsible headband of the current invention.

FIG. 9 shows a second embodiment of the collapsible headband of the current invention.

FIG. 11 shows the collapsible headband of this invention worn as a headwrap.

FIG. 12 shows the collapsible headband of this invention worn as a bandana.

FIG. 13 shows a third embodiment of the collapsible headband of this invention.

FIG. 14 shows the third embodiment of the collapsible headband of this invention on a wearer.

FIG. 15 shows the third embodiment of the collapsible headband of this invention twisted into a knot.

FIG. 16 shows a fourth embodiment of the collapsible headband of this invention on a wearer.

FIG. 17 shows the fourth embodiment of the collapsible headband of this invention on a wearer.

FIG. 18 shows a fifth embodiment of the collapsible headband of this invention on a wearer.

FIG. 19 shows the fifth embodiment of the collapsible headband of this invention.

FIG. 20 shows a sixth embodiment of the collapsible headband of this invention.

FIG. 21 shows a seventh embodiment of the collapsible headband of this invention

FIG. 22 shows an eighth embodiment of the collapsible headband of this invention

FIG. 23 shows the basic embodiment, of FIG. 13, twisted at its midpoint

FIG. 24 shows a cap formed by twisting and folding the collapsible headband of this invention

FIG. 25 shows the collapsible headband of this invention worn around the neck in the manner of a turtleneck

FIG. 26 shows the collapsible headband of this invention worn in the manner of a square scarf

FIG. 27 shows the collapsible headband of this invention worn in the manner of a long muffler or scarf.

FIG. 28 shows a perspective view of a first embodiment of the multi-loop headband of this invention.

FIG. 29 shows a perspective view of a second embodiment of the multi-loop headband of this invention.

FIG. 30 shows a third embodiment of the multi-loop headband of this invention.

FIG. 31 shows a fourth embodiment of the multi-loop headband of this invention.

FIG. 32 shows the multi-loop headband of this invention as worn by a user.

FIGS. 33 and 34 show two different views of the first embodiment of the ponytailer hairband of this invention.

FIG. 35 shows a second embodiment of the ponytailer hairband of this invention.

FIG. 36 shows a third embodiment of the ponytailer hairband of this invention.

FIG. 37 shows a fourth embodiment of the ponytailer hairband of this invention.

FIG. 38 shows a fifth embodiment of the ponytailer hairband of this invention.

REFERENCE NUMERALS IN DRAWINGS

-   2 preferred embodiment of the customizable headband of this     invention -   4 an incision at the rear of the customizable headband of this     invention -   6 scarf -   8 second embodiment of the customizable headband of this invention -   10 loop on the second embodiment of the customizable headband of     this invention -   12 ribbon -   14 a third embodiment of the customizable headband of this invention -   16 loop -   18 ribbon -   20 a fourth embodiment of the customizable headband of this     invention -   22 a circular incision in the customizable headband of this     invention -   24 a fifth embodiment of the customizable headband of this invention -   26 a slit in the customizable headband of this invention -   28 scarf -   30 bow -   32 preferred embodiment of the collapsible headband of this     invention -   33 second embodiment of the collapsible headband of this invention -   34 inside of the preferred embodiment of the collapsible headband of     this invention -   35 movable loop on second embodiment of the collapsible headband of     this invention -   36 twist in the preferred embodiment of the collapsible headband of     this invention -   38 wearer -   40 third embodiment of the collapsible headband of this invention -   42 elastic bands at edges of third embodiment of the collapsible     headband of this invention -   44 knot formed by twisting third embodiment of the collapsible     headband of this invention -   46 fourth embodiment of the collapsible headband of this invention -   48 ties -   50 fifth embodiment of the collapsible headband of this invention -   52 ties -   54 sixth embodiment of the collapsible headband of this invention -   55 elasticized section -   56 seventh embodiment of the collapsible headband of this invention -   57 elasticized section -   58 eighth embodiment of the collapsible headband of this invention -   60 ties -   62 third embodiment embodiment of the collapsible headband of this     invention, twisted at mid-section -   64 cap -   65 collapsible headband worn as a muff around neck -   66 portion of collapsible headband worn around neck -   67 portion of collapsible headband worn around head -   68 portion of collapsible headband worn around neck -   69 portion of collapsible headband worn around neck like a long     scarf -   72 a first embodiment of the multi-loop headband of this invention -   74 a second embodiment of the multi-loop headband of this invention -   76 a twist in the second embodiment of the multi-loop headband of     this invention -   78 a third embodiment of the multi-loop headband of this invention -   80, 82 prior art belt buckle -   83 head of a user -   84, 86 two loops of the multi-loop headband of this invention -   88 a fourth and preferred embodiment of the multi-loop headband of     this invention -   90 an opening in the preferred embodiment of the multi-loop headband     of this invention -   92 a FIG. 8 loop in multi-loop headband 88 of this invention -   93 first embodiment of the hairband of this invention -   94 unscrunched or smooth portion of hairband 92 of this invention -   97 second embodiment of the hairband of this invention -   98 unscrunched portion of hairband 97 of this invention -   96 third embodiment of the hairband of this invention -   95 elastic circle -   99 fourth embodiment of the hairband of this invention -   91 exposed elastic -   89 included elastic -   100 fifth embodiment of the hairband of this invention -   102 smooth portion of hairband 100 of this invention

SUMMARY

The present invention provides various embodiments of hairbands. Anyone who is familiar with hair accessories will know that there have been very few innovations in the field of bandeau bands and hairbands. The current invention seeks to change that by disclosing improvements that are significant while also being easy to manufacture as well as easy to use. The collapsible band, for example, provides a significant improvement on existing wide bands by borrowing the concept of the mobius from mathematics. The incorporation of one or more twists prevent bunching of the band under hair at the nape. This makes the band very comfortable to wear while also making it more attractive by preventing funneling that happens with currently available bands. The customizable band of this invention can be customized by the addition of ribbons, scarves, beaded strings, ties, etc to the headband. The multi-loop band not only simulates the look of multiple bands without having the user try and adjust multiple bands but it also provides better hair-holding ability by allowing for the placement of the band at more than one region. The new hairband is an improvement over existing scrunchies because it allows the placement of embroidery or other embellishments on the flat front while also presenting a sleek look as opposed to the sloppy, scrunched look of a scrunchie. All of the above mentioned embodiments present significant improvements over existing hairbands.

Other embodiments are also shown in the drawings.

The design of the current invention presents several advantages.

The simple designs of the various embodiments allow for easy manufacturing and also translate to reasonable costs for the consumer.

The simple designs of the various embodiments make them easy to use and easy to explain to the user by means of a simple illustration.

Additionally, the embodiments of this invention provide options for a stylish new hair accessory. This is particularly important in a market that is constantly hungry for new trends.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Various aspects of the present invention will evolve from the following detailed description of the currently preferred embodiment thereof which should be taken in conjunction with the prior described drawings.

FIG. 1 shows the preferred embodiment of the customizable headband 2 of this invention. Incisions 4 can be seen at the rear of the band. There are four such incisions though the number of incisions can be as few as one and as many as can be included on the headband.

FIG. 2 shows the rear view of the customizable headband of this invention. Incisions 4 can be seen on the band with one pair of incisions placed on the right of the centerline and one pair on the left.

FIG. 3 shows how a scarf 6 can be easily added to headband 2. Each of the two ends of a long scarf has been woven through a pair of incisions 4. This enables a wearer to quickly wear a scarf securely on her head without worrying about it slipping off.

FIG. 4 shows headband 8 which is a second embodiment of the customizable headband of this invention. Headband 8 has four loops instead of incisions. Ribbon 12 has been woven through loops 10 of the headband in FIG. 4. The free ends of ribbon 12 may be left to dangle or they may be tied together. Alternatively the ends of ribbon 12 can be reinserted through loops 10 to secure them. Ends 12 may also be tucked into the band.

FIG. 5 shows a third embodiment 14 of the customizable headband of this invention. This embodiment has a single loop 16 through which both the ends of ribbon 18 have been woven.

FIG. 6 shows a fourth embodiment 20 of the customizable headband of this invention. This embodiment has circular openings 22 through which a scarf or ribbon can be woven.

FIG. 7 shows a fifth embodiment of headband 24 of this invention. Headband 24 has a single incision 26 through which scarf 28 has been woven.

FIG. 8 shows the customizable headband of this invention with a scarf woven through incisions 4. Bow 30 has been made in the scarf. The bow may be positioned so it is near the temples or near the top of the forehead or behind the ears. The headband may be worn with the incisions or loops at the back or in front or at the sides of the head.

FIG. 10 shows the preferred embodiment 32 of the collapsible headband of the current invention. Twist 36 helps reduce bulk under the wearer's hair. It also helps maintain the headband in a scrunched-up condition thus preventing hair at the nape from being pushed upwards. Underside 34 can be seen behind twisted section 36.

FIG. 9 shows a second embodiment 33 of the collapsible headband of the current invention. The loop 35 can be slid along the circumference to help scrunch the band. Loop 35 can be made of any material such as fabric, plastic, metal, wood, etc. It can also be made removable.

FIG. 11 shows collapsible headband 32 of this invention worn as a headwrap by wearer 38. In this figure, the headband is seen in a collapsed or scrunched condition.

FIG. 12 shows collapsible headband 32 of this invention worn as a bandana by wearer 38.

FIG. 13 shows third embodiment 40 of the collapsible headband of this invention. Elastic bands 42 flank two circular edges of the cylinder of fabric.

FIG. 14 shows third embodiment 40 of the collapsible headband of this invention with one of the two bands 42 near the wearer's hairline.

FIG. 15 shows third embodiment 40 of the collapsible headband of this invention twisted into knot 44.

FIG. 16 shows fourth embodiment 46 of the collapsible headband of this invention on a wearer. One circular edge of the headband is provided with a drawstring tie 48. FIG. 17 shows the fourth embodiment 46 on a wearer. Drawstring ties 48 allows the wearer to form a ponytail with the help of drawstring ties 48.

FIG. 18 shows fifth embodiment 50 of the collapsible headband of this invention on a wearer. This embodiment is made in the manner of “do rags”, a popular hair accessory with both men and women in the African American community. Ties 52 help provide the look of a “do rag”. FIG. 19 shows fifth embodiment 50 with ties 52.

FIG. 20 shows sixth embodiment 54 of the collapsible headband of this invention. A portion of the band is scrunched in order to reduce bulk under the hair of the wearer. FIG. 20 shows elasticized portion 55. Instead of elasticizing only a portion of the long edges of the band, the scrunched portion can extend from one circular edge to the other. This is shown in FIG. 21 in the seventh embodiment of the collapsible headband of this invention. Elasticized portion 57 forms a straight line extending substantially from one circular edge to the other.

FIG. 22 shows eighth embodiment 58 of the collapsible headband of this invention. Drawstring 60 is provided along a straight line extending substantially from a one circular edge to the other. Drawstring 60 can be used to achieve the look of the embodiment 56.

FIG. 23 shows how headband 62, similar to the basic embodiment, of FIG. 13, can be twisted at its midsection. And then folded so as to form a cap 64 as shown in FIG. 24.

FIG. 25 shows collapsible headband 65 worn around the neck in the manner of a turtleneck.

FIG. 26 shows the collapsible headband of this invention worn in the manner of a square scarf where portion 67 goes around the head of the wearer while portion 68 is worn around the neck. The headband for this embodiment needs be longer than one intended to be just worn over the head.

FIG. 27 shows the collapsible headband of this invention worn in the manner of a long muffler or scarf with portion 66 hugging the neck and portion 69 loosely wound around the neck. The headband for this embodiment needs be longer than one intended to be just worn over the head.

FIG. 28 shows a perspective view of a first embodiment of the multi-loop headband of this invention. Headband 72 is substantially cylindrical in shape. The circumference of headband 72 is such that it can loop at least twice around the head of the user. Headband 72 is ideally made of a stretchable material as least in part. This will allow for easy placement of the headband as well as allow for one size to fit all (or most) wearers. The width of the headband can be as narrow as a few millimeters or as wide as a few inches.

FIG. 29 shows a perspective view of a second embodiment of the multi-loop headband of this invention. The circle of the headband carries twist 76. This twist can be included in the headband to help the headband 74 lie flat on the head of the wearer once it has been looped twice around the head of the wearer. More than one twist may be incorporated. The headband of this invention can be similarly made in the shape of a mobius strip. A rectangular strip of material is twisted once before joining the two short sides. Thus the inner surface smoothly transitions to an outside surface and then back again.

FIG. 30 shows third embodiment 78 of the multi-loop headband of this invention. In this embodiment the headband carries belt buckles 80 and 82 which can be closed easily to form the circle of a headband. The length of the headband also carries an adjusting mechanism. This design of the headband will allow it to double as a belt.

FIG. 31 shows fourth embodiment 88 of the multi-loop headband of this invention. In this embodiment, the preferred embodiment, the headband is made in a figure-8 configuration. The two loops of the figure-8 can be created by incorporating an opening 90 along the length of the band. One free end of the band is then threaded through opening 90. The two free ends of the headband are then joined thus creating loop 92.

FIG. 32 shows the multi-loop headband of this invention as worn by a user 83. The headband is wrapped around the head of the wearer such that it forms a front loop 84 for holding hair near the hairline and a loop 86 that sits slightly behind the first loop. The headband may be used as an ear-warmer in which case one or more loops of the headband may be placed over the wearer's ears.

FIGS. 33 and 34 show two different views of the first embodiment of the ponytailer hairband of this invention. This is the preferred embodiment. Hairband 93 has a scrunchy-like portion that is essentially a fabric-covered elastic. Instead of fabric, other equivalent materials may be used. If fabric is used it may be woven, knit, mesh, crocheted, or in the form of ribbons or any other configuration that is used for such ponytailers. Hairband 93 also has an unscrunched portion 94. When hairband 93 is worn around a ponytail, portion 94 can be placed last over the ponytail so that it is the most visible part of hairband 93. It helps give the ponytail a sleek look as opposed to a scrunched look. Hairband 93 can be made in many ways. A circle of elastic may be enclosed inside an annular fabric and then attached at two points to the fabric such that it doesn't stretch between those two points forming portion 94 of the hairband. Alternatively instead of using a complete circle of elastic, the length of elastic can be made to extend only through the scrunched portion of hairband 93 with portion 94 of the hairband being devoid of elastic. The two ends of the elastic used in the scrunched portion can be attached to the material of the retaining tube at the two ends of portion 94. A stiff piece of material may be attached to or enclosed within region 94 to help maintain a flat, sleek look.

FIG. 35 shows a second embodiment of the ponytailer hairband of this invention. Hairband 97 is the scrunched portion of the hairband. Region 98 is formed by placing an unscrunched, sleeve of material over a portion of hairband 97. The length of region 98 should be such that it just barely goes around a ponytail. This will ascertain that region 98 can help achieve the look of a sleek scrunchy if it is positioned last after hairband 97 has been tightened around a bundle of hair.

FIG. 36 shows a third embodiment of the ponytailer hairband of this invention. In this embodiment an elastic circle 95 is almost entirely covered by a sleeve 96. Sleeve 96 may be stiffened by using an interfacing or a piece of leather or felt or any such equivalent materials. Plastic may also be used as a stiffening material. However, to maintain the comfort of a scrunchy hairband, it is preferable that the stiffening material be a softer one as opposed to hard plastic or wood or metal. While these materials may be used, the preferred embodiment would be to use a softer, more comfortable material.

FIG. 37 shows a fourth embodiment of the ponytailer hairband of this invention. Elastic circle 91 has been woven in and out of the fabric cover such that portions 89 are enclosed within the tube of hairband 99. The regions that have the exposed length of elastic can help achieve an unscrunched look. Using a stiffening material will further help achieve the unscrunched look when the hairband is properly positioned and adjusted over the ponytail of the wearer.

FIG. 38 shows a fifth embodiment of the ponytailer hairband of this invention. Hairband 100 can be seen to have a sleek portion 102 that can be a stiff piece of material that is attached to a scrunched portion of hairband 100.

While certain novel features of this invention have been shown and described, it is not intended to be limited to the details above, since it will be understood that various omissions, modifications, substitutions and changes in the forms and details of the device illustrated and its operations can be made by those skilled in the art without departing in any way from the spirit of the present invention.

CONCLUSION, RAMIFICATIONS, AND SCOPE OF INVENTION

Thus the reader will see that the headband of the current invention provides a fun, easy to use, and stylish hair accessory that is an improvement on existing hairbands.

It is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, function, and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention. While this description is directed to a particular embodiment, it is understood that those skilled in the art may conceive modifications and/or variations to the specific embodiments shown and described herein. Any such modifications or variations which fall within the purview of this description are intended to be included as well. For instance, the shape of the incisions may be varied so that they look like stars or are square or amoeboid in shape. Also, the incisions do not have to be grouped together. Rather they may be placed far apart from each other. The specific positioning of the incisions may be varied without taking away from the spirit of the invention. Thus, even though the description above contains many specifics, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of the invention, but rather as examples of preferred embodiments thereof. 

1. A novel hairband, such hairband including (a) a substantially cylindrical piece of material (b) the cylindrical piece of material including at least one twist whereby the cylindrical piece of material includes a portion that has a significantly reduced width.
 2. A novel hairband, such hairband including (a) a rectangular piece of material (b) said rectangular piece of material including at least one opening (c) one end of said rectangular piece of material woven through said opening (d) said one end of rectangular piece attached to the second end of said rectangular piece whereby said rectangular piece of material forms the shape of a figure-8.
 3. A novel substantially circular hairband, such hairband including (a) a scrunched portion (b) a flat portion whereby said circular hairband can be worn over a bundle of hair with the scrunched portion hidden from view by the flat portion providing a stylish new ponytail accessory. 